In One Paragraph, You See Everything That’s Wrong with State Government in Ohio
In this Tuesday post, I questioned, and then weighed in against, the proposed state-sanctioned local sales-tax subsidy for large retailers.
Proponents are showing their true colors in this response to the brewing opposition:
The (Senate Finance) committee, however, questioned why it took so long for opponents to weigh in. Gander Mountain, which has nine stores and 1,185 employees in Ohio, sent a letter to Mr. Taft on Tuesday asking him to “say no” to this provision, but yesterday marked the first time anyone has testified on the issue.
Y’know, we elect representatives and senators to follow the law and do what they can, through OVERALL tax and fiscal policy, to help this state’s economy grow.
We don’t elect them to hand out goodies. We sure as bleep don’t elect them to subsidize large retailers at the expense of small ones (or vice-versa for that matter).
We also shouldn’t have to watch their every action 24-7-365 for any indications that they’re breaking their promises to voters. And if we don’t, and they sneak something by us, they want us to think it’s our fault. Gander Mountain has nine stores to run; they don’t have time, and shouldn’t have to make it, or hire a consultant, to make sure the state isn’t pulling the rug out from under them.
The Senate Finance Committee’s defense is pure, unadulterated horse manure.
Sponsors of this provision tried to get it through below the radar by including it in comprehensive legislation, and got most of the way there before they were caught. Now their response is essentially, “Why didn’t you catch our underhandedness earlier? Oh, and the fact that you didn’t until now means it really should pass. Please just go away.”
There is an urgent need for brooms in May and November to sweep the legislators supporting this garbage and engaging in this kind of conduct out of office.
Scott Pullins and the Ohio Taxpayers Association are in the fight against the sales-tax subsidy built into HB 530. Go there to learn more.
Do you believe that a true tax revolt is even possible anymore? I do not understand this rush to raise taxes taking place while line after line is added to the tax code protecting seemingly any company that complains. Is this really the best that we can ever expect?
Comment by Steven J. Kelso Sr. — March 24, 2006 @ 2:50 pm
#1, hence the need to clean House (and senate).
Comment by TBlumer — March 24, 2006 @ 2:59 pm
Bass Pro needs welfare to open a store?
The Tax Foundation says Ohio has the 47th worst business tax climate in the country, even with the recent reforms. But hey, we did beat Michigan (49th).
Comment by save_the_rustbelt — March 25, 2006 @ 7:57 pm